Postoperative Instructions

Have you just had a dental procedure completed with us? If so, simply follow the postoperative instructions outlined below to make sure your recovery is quick and painless! Simply scroll down to the appropriate section to find tips and notes on what to expect and what to do after receiving a particular treatment. If you have any questions or are experiencing persistent pain, be sure to contact us as soon as you can.

Crown & Bridge, Crowns, Inlays, or Onlays

You will wear temporary restorations until your permanent restoration is made. If your temporary falls off or breaks, save the pieces and call our office. Do not bite your lips, cheeks, or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain.

Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, should go away in a few days. Brush gently and floss carefully for the first few days.

Deep Teeth Cleaning

Sensitivity to cold and heat will subside. Do not chew or eat until numbness subsides. Brush and floss as usual. Your gums may bleed a bit for a few days.

Denture Delivery

It is normal to experience some discomfort and speech problems while getting used to your new dentures. New dentures need several adjustments to fit comfortably. To help with speech, read aloud for a few minutes every day. Your mouth will adjust, and your speech will improve.

Remove your dentures every night to allow your gums to rest. Keep the denture in container of water or denture cleaner. Thoroughly brush your dentures with water before wearing them.

Tooth Extractions

For an hour after surgery, you should place pressure on the gauze pad covering the extraction site. If bleeding continues, apply new gauze should and pressure for an additional 45 minutes. After surgery, place a cold compress on your face near the extraction site for 10 minutes. Remove for 5 minutes. Repeat.

Do not eat or drink hot foods and beverages after surgery.

Do not rinse your mouth.

Do not use a straw.

Do not spit.

Do not drink carbonated beverages.

Do not brush your teeth on the day of the surgery. Then resume normal home care, gently brushing and flossing.

Bruising, swelling, and pain are normal – particularly if you have had a wisdom tooth extraction. Take your prescribed medication and use a cold compress on your face. Plan to eat soft foods, such as soups, milk shakes, fruit juice, and yogurt, for 2-3 days. Do not bite your lips, cheeks, or scrape your gums.

Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain.

Fillings

For an hour following your visit, do not chew. Wait until numbness subsides before eating. If you had amalgam fillings placed, do not chew for 24 hours. Do not bite your lips, cheeks, or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain. Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, should go away in a few days.

Gum Surgery

Pain, swelling, and bleeding is normal following gum surgery. A cold compress should be placed on your face near the surgical site for 10 minutes at a time, with 5 minutes off, the day of your surgery. This will reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. Take your prescribed medications as instructed.

You should keep your appointment for follow-up with your dentist. Do not raise your lips and probe the area with your fingers. Do not brush your teeth near the sutures. However, you should brush and floss the rest of your teeth as you normally would. You may experience loss of sensation at the surgical site, and nearby teeth may feel loose for a while. Do not spit or use a straw the day of your procedure. Avoid smoking for a few days.

Implant Surgery

Pain, swelling, and bleeding is normal following oral surgery. A cold compress should be placed on your face near the surgical site for 10 minutes at a time, with 5 minutes off, the day of your surgery. This will reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. Take your prescribed medications as instructed. You should keep your appointment for follow-up with your dentist.

Do not raise your lips and probe the area with your fingers. Do not brush your teeth near the sutures. However, you should brush and floss the rest of your teeth as you normally would. Do not spit or use a straw the day of your procedure. Avoid smoking for a few days.

Root Canal Treatment

Sensitivity should subside after a few days. Take your prescribed medication as directed. Avoid chewing on that side until a permanent crown is placed on the root canal treated tooth to prevent it from having a tooth fracture.

Do not bite your lips, cheeks, or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain. Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, should go away in a few days. Brush and floss gently.

Teeth Whitening

Whitening can only be effective if you consistently wear the tray for the prescribed number of hours, as directed by Dr. Lee. If you experience any severe discomfort or other problems, discontinue using the trays and contact our office immediately. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during the first 24 hours of treatment.